The Tate Modern Christmas market in 2014 brought wooden chalets, hot food and festive lights to Bankside. My evening began with a walk from St Paul’s across the Millennium Bridge, followed by a bratwurst and a browse around the stalls outside the gallery.
Originally published on 18 December 2014, the film records the market’s first year at this location. It had been a favourite of mine beside the Southbank Centre the previous Christmas, so I was keen to see how it felt in its new riverside setting.
From St Paul’s to Tate Modern
The approach was part of the attraction. St Paul’s Cathedral stood at one end of the walk, with Tate Modern across the Thames at the other. The Millennium Bridge connected the two, opening up views of the city as I crossed the river.
From the south bank, looking back towards the cathedral, the lights made a particularly striking scene. Before getting into the market itself, I wanted to show that setting: the bridge, the river and the illuminated skyline around it.
A bratwurst before browsing
Once I reached the market, the first stop was for a bratwurst. The film shows the sausage being served in a bread roll before the walk continues among the chalets. It was a straightforward start to an evening of food, lights and Christmas shopping.
The original description listed other seasonal temptations, including mulled wine, roast chestnuts and gingerbread. Those formed part of the market’s offering at the time; the food I chose in this film was the bratwurst.
The Christmas market’s move to Bankside
In the 2014 commentary, I explained that this market had previously been along the river outside the Southbank Centre. It had simply moved further along the Thames to Bankside, between the Millennium Bridge and Tate Modern. The Southbank Centre had a different market that year.
The earlier market had also been the subject of my first vlog. Returning to it in a new location therefore had a little extra significance. My verdict was enthusiastic: it remained my favourite Christmas market, and I thought the Bankside backdrop made the setting even better.
Gifts, sweets and illuminated chalets
Much of the film is a slow look around the stalls. Gift displays, small decorations and colourful sweets fill the wooden chalets, with lights tracing their roofs and entrances. There is time to browse rather than rush between stops.
I recommended it in the film as somewhere to meet friends for food or drinks, look for an interesting present or simply get into the festive spirit. Christmas music accompanies the longer market montage, while the camera takes in the different counters and displays.
St Paul’s across the Thames
The river views return towards the end, with St Paul’s lit up across the water. That combination of a Christmas market and a London walk is what gives this visit its character: warm chalet lights close by, and the city’s larger landmarks beyond them.
This is an archive of the 2014 market. The dates, location arrangements and recommendations in the original film belong to that Christmas, rather than a current event listing. What remains is a record of an enjoyable Bankside evening and the market’s move to a memorable new setting.
